CALABAR, Cross River State, south-east Nigeria. Large terracotta bowl decorated with concentric circles. This decoration of circles, spirals and other motifs reveals the first symbols of the secret Nsibidi script, which later spread throughout the Cross River region. Presumed to date from the 14th-16th centuries. Size: 28x11.5 cm. Slight old crack. Provenance: Collection of a couple of collectors, Blois.